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This study explores optical solitons in the Biswas–Arshed equation within birefringent fibers. Employing the unified solver method, the 1 φ (η) , φ ′ (η) φ (η) method, and new Kudryashov's method, we extract various optical soliton solutions, encompassing dark, singular, bright, and periodic forms. These solutions deepen our understanding of dynamic phenomena in birefringent fibers, showcasing their potential practical applications. The results, effectively visualized in 3D and 2D plots, reveal intricate patterns. Our research underscores the efficacy and simplicity of these approaches in obtaining optical solitons for diverse nonlinear evolution equations. The novelty lies in the advanced methodologies applied to investigate the Biswas–Arshed equation, yielding a diverse array of soliton solutions and their practical implications. This study not only presents a variety of solutions but also highlights their applicability across disciplines and real-world scenarios. Consequently, our research significantly contributes to advancing our understanding of optical solitons in birefringent fibers, offering a methodological breakthrough in engineering and applied physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present an idea to attain the variety of novel optical solitons solutions for nonlinear time-fractional Clannish Random Walker's parabolic (CRWP) equation in the manner of β -derivative using a well-known analytical technique namely, extended direct algebraic method. A diversity of bright, singular, dark, periodic-singular and combo dark-bright solitons solutions are assembled in the shape of rational, hyperbolic and exponential functions. Some of the extracted results are sketched in the pattern of 3D, 2D and contour plots, for the purpose to demonstrate the physical behavior of the attained solutions. We also investigate the influence of the fractional order parameter on the obtained solutions which demonstrates how changes in this parameter affect the properties and behavior of the soliton solutions in the context of the time-fractional CRWP model. The novelty of the extracted solutions is determined by comparing with some other solutions which are already listed in the works for the CRWP equation, which shows the effectiveness and authenticity of the proposed method. The under consideration method is also utilized to any other nonlinear integer and fractional model appears in physics and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) cause serious human infections due to their virulence and multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles. We characterized 144 ExPEC strains (collected from a tertiary cancer institute) in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility spectrum, ESBL variants, virulence factors (VF) patterns, and Clermont's phylogroup classification. The developed multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification and thermophilic helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA) assays for blaCTX-M, blaOXA, blaSHV, and blaTEM detection, respectively, were validated using PCR-sequencing results. All ESBL-ExPEC isolates carried blaCTX-M genes with following prevalence frequency of variants: blaCTX-M-15 (50.5%) > blaCTX-M-55 (17.9%) > blaCTX-M-27 (16.8%) > blaCTX-M-14 (14.7%). The multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification assay had 100% sensitivity, and specificity for blaCTX-M, blaOXA, blaSHV, while tHDA had 86.89% sensitivity, and 100% specificity for blaTEM. The VF genes showed the following prevalence frequency: traT (67.4%) > ompT (52.6%) > iutA (50.5%) > fimH (47.4%) > iha (33.7%) > hlyA (26.3%) > papC (12.6%) > cvaC (3.2%), in ESBL-ExPEC isolates which belonged to phylogroups A (28.4%), B2 (28.4%), and F (22.1%). The distribution of traT, ompT, and hlyA and phylogroup B2 were significantly different (P < 0.05) between ESBL-ExPEC and non-ESBL-ExPEC isolates. Thus, these equipment-free isothermal resistance gene amplification assays contribute to effective treatment and control of virulent ExPEC, especially antimicrobial resistance strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are blood cell disorders, characterized by overproduction of abnormal cells in bone marrow due to stem cell mutation. The proliferations of blood cell are controlled by many genes particularly MPL gene which encodes thrombopoietin receptor, a hematopoietic growth factor involved in the production and regulation of the platelets and multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells. Acquired mutations including (W515L and W515K) in this gene have been observed in patients with primary myelofibrosis or essential thrombocythemia lacking JAK2 (V617F) mutations. MPL mutation detection is important for MPNs diagnosis, but due to low frequency of mutant allele burden (< 15%) may be missed by already available common assays such as Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, these techniques are costly, time-consuming, and less sensitive. In present study, we aimed to develop sensitive, less time-consuming, and cost-effective real-time PCR assay for the detection of MPL mutations that is based on TaqMan fluorescent probes. DNA was extracted from blood sample of 128 MPNs patients collected and further analysis was performed on TaqMan RT-PCR. Reference curve was obtained for amplified product of MPL gene containing mutated sequence. The predicted sensitivity level was at least 5% mutant allele burden by our developed assay that is much higher than sequencing output. Out of 128, 2 (1.56%) patients harbored W515L mutation and 1 (0.78%) harbored W515K mutation. It was concluded that TaqMan qRT-PCR assay is an efficient, sensitive, cost-effective, and less time-consuming method capable of detecting MPL mutation in MPNs patients. We suggested that this assay might be helpful in investigating mutant allele load in MPNs patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) is mainly synthesized and secreted by the liver in a cytokine-mediated response to infection or inflammation and circulates as a pentamer (pCRP) in plasma. Recent studies indicate that CRP is not only a marker but is directly involved in inflammation. CRP has a vital role in host defense and inflammation, metabolic function and scavenging through its ability for calcium depended binding to exogenous and endogenous molecules having phosphocholine followed by activation of the classical complement pathway. Accumulating evidence indicates that pCRP dissociates into monomeric CRP (mCRP) and most proinflammatory actions of CRP are only expressed following dissociation of its native pentameric assembly into mCRP. The dissociation of CRP into mCRP altogether promotes the ligand-binding capability. mCRP emerges to be the main conformation of CRP that participates in the regulation of local inflammation, however, little is identified concerning what triggers the significantly enhanced actions of mCRP and their binding to diverse ligands. The separation of mCRP from pCRP may be a direct relationship between CRP and inflammation. Here we review the current literature on CRP dissociation and its interaction with different ligands. The possibility to avoid the generation of the proinflammatory potential of mCRP has driven therapeutic approaches by targeting the dissociation mechanism of pCRP or inhibition of mCRP itself during inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report is devoted to the study of the flow of MHD nanofluids through a vertical porous plate with a temperature-dependent surface tension using the Cattaneo–Christov heat flow model. The energy equation was formulated using the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model instead of Fourier's law of heat conduction. The Tiwari–Das model was used to take into account the concentration of nanoparticles when constructing the momentum equation. The problem is described mathematically using the boundary layer approach as a PDE, which is then converted into an ODE with the help of the transformation process. The solution finding process was completed by running the bvp4c code in MATLAB. A quantitative analysis of the influence of some newly occurring parameters on physical quantities was carried out using graphics. The addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid leads to an increase in both skin friction and thermal conductivity. The increase in thermal conductivity is the advantage, while the increase in skin friction is the disadvantage of the nanoparticle concentration. Marangoni convection has proven to be one of the most cost-effective tools available that can reduce skin friction. Marangoni convection improves the heat transfer coefficient during suction but decreases the heat transfer coefficient during the injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-established fact that thermal resistance models are highly effective passive devices to transfer large quantities of heat for predicting the thermal performance. In the present investigation, we analyzed the thermal analysis of an unsteady oblique stagnation point flow of an incompressible second-grade fluid on a stretching surface with some slip effects. The governing equations of the model under consideration are presented. The governing PDEs are altered into nonlinear ODEs by utilizing non-similar and similar variables and then solved numerically. The analysis further reveals that these solutions sustain in a definite domain of corresponding parameters. Moreover, the variations in temperature and velocity are presented in graphical form to show the influence of controlling parameters. The numerical details of the heat transfer rate for the several thermophysical parameters and skin friction are illustrated in tabular form. The increment in the local second-grade parameter causes the Sherwood number to decrease. The value of the Nusselt number enhances if we decrease the value of the local second-grade parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two efficient integration schemes, new extended hyperbolic function and generalized tanh are employed to discover optical soliton solutions to magneto-optic waveguides that retains anti-cubic form of nonlinear refractive index. Bright, dark, periodic singular, singular, and combo soliton solutions have created. These solutions expose the comprehensive variety of soliton solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is associated with several severe physical, behavioral, and psychological health risks and glitches. Air pollution has been linked to 11 million premature deaths in Pakistan, out of the total 153 million premature deaths worldwide. Air pollution is continuously growing as a threatening challenge for Pakistan. Keeping this in view, the current study was designed to assess air pollution in terms of air quality index (AQI), particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10), SO2, NO2, and O3 over six districts of Malakand division, Northern Pakistan. The second part of the study appraised the associated self-reported effects of air pollution on Pakistani students and the practices, perceptions, and awareness of the students regarding air pollution through a closed-ended questionnaire, administered to 4100 students. The first section of the questionnaire was focused on the physical effects associated with air pollution; the second section was focused on air pollution–linked behavior and psychology; the third portion was focused on perception and awareness of the subjects, whereas the final section was focused on practices and concerns of the subjects regarding air pollution. The students reported that exposure to air pollution significantly affected their physical health, behavior, and psychology. The subjects were aware of the different air pollutants and health complications associated with air pollution, and therefore had adopted preventive measures. It was concluded that air pollution had adverse impacts on the physical and psychological health of the respondents, which consequently altered their behavior. Mass awareness, proper mitigating plan, suitable management, and implementation of strict environmental laws are suggested before the air gets further polluted and becomes life-threatening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate two-dimensional (2D) atomic microscopy by the superposition of three probe coherences and three standing-wave fields in a five-level atomic system. For the first time, we use such a unique configuration for the precise atomic microscopy. Under suitable conditions, the localization behavior is improved significantly having maximum probability. We reveal multiple localized peaks in a single wavelength domain through the absorption spectrum of the weak probe fields. We theoretically obtain the high-resolution and high-precision 2D atomic microscopy with 100% localization probability in a specific region of 2D space. The spatial resolution of the atom is enhanced in the proposed atomic system with significant probability and minimum uncertainty. The results might have vital role in laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms and nano-lithography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strong biological activities of nanoparticles are an essential factor because the resistance shown by bacterial species to chemical biocide is one of the major problems. In the current study, it was hypothesized that the biological waste might have biological power to reduce the silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Therefore, the biosynthesis of AgNPs using biological waste residue and their antibacterial influence were studied. The X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray techniques were used to analyze the fabricated AgNPs. In major findings, the SEM results revealed the spherical and small-sized AgNPs. The biological waste residue synthesized nanoparticles revealed that the highest inhibition zone was 25.74 ± 0.20 mm against Sphingomonas sp., while the smallest zone of inhibition was observed 9.76 ± 0.37 mm against Massilia sp. The best results were obtained against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial isolates. Therefore, it is suggested to use the biological waste instead of other biological sources because of less toxicity, cost-effective, and easy availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study characterizes the effects of Hall current, Arrhenius activation energy and binary chemical reaction on the rotating flow of hybrid nanofluid in two double disks. By the use of suitable similarity transformations, the system of partial differential equations and boundary conditions for hybrid nanofluid are transformed to ordinary differential equations which are solved through optimal homotopy analysis method. The intensified magnetic field and hybrid nanofluid performances are represented in three dimensional model with flow, heat and mass transfer. Radial velocity decreases and tangential velocity increases with the Hall parameter. Temperature rises with high values of rotation parameter while it decreases with the Prandtl number. Nanoparticles concentration enhances with the increments in Arrhenius activation energy parameter and stretching parameter due to lower disk. There exists a close and favorable harmony in the results of present and published work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, numerical simulations of natural convection in a partially heated rectangular cavity containing water-based copper oxide nanofluid (CuO–water) have been carried out. The flow field and heat transfer inside the cavity are influenced by two corrugated heated rods. The governing partial differential equations are transformed to dimensionless coupled nonlinear partial differential equations using some suitable variables. For the thermophysical properties of nanofluid, Koo and Kleinstreuer–Li model is implemented in the governing equation. Numerical solutions of the resulting system of equations are obtained utilizing finite element method. The simulations for flow field and thermal distribution are portrayed in terms of line graphs, streamlines and isotherms. The results are executed for various Rayleigh numbers (10 4 ≤ Ra ≤ 10 6) , nanoparticle volume fractions (0.0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.2) , amplitudes of the corrugated heated rods (0.05 ≤ A m ≤ 0.2) and wavelength numbers (0 ≤ n ≤ 20) . Results depict that the thermal distribution and flow field are getting stronger because of increasing Ra and n. The impact of nanoparticle volume fraction is found to be useful in intensifying the heat transfer rate because of dominant convection. It is worth mentioning that with an increase in A m the thermal distribution in the entire cavity is control by convection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the phenomenon of gravity-driven flow of nanoliquid film along a vertical surface under the effects of nonlinear thermal radiations. The falling nanofluid film is subjected to a convectively heated surface along with slip condition. The flow and thermal properties are investigated considering four different nanoparticles namely Ag (silver), Cu (copper), TiO 2 (Titania) and Al 2 O 3 (alumina) with water as a acting base fluid. The physical model is presented in terms of nonlinear partial differential equations. These equations are reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations through similarity transformations. The problem is solved numerically utilizing Bvp4c function in MATLAB. Multiple solutions are presented for unfavorable buoyancy or opposing flow ( σ < 0 ) and favorable buoyancy or assisting flow ( σ > 0 ). The impact of nanoparticle volume fraction is found to be useful in intensifying the temperature and dropping heat transfer rate because of dominant convection. It is worth mentioning that silver nanoparticles in the thin film of nanofluid lead to higher wall shear stress and heat transfer rate. The increasing nature of skin friction coefficient (C f) is examined in buoyancy assisting flow while in opposing buoyancy flow its behavior is noticed reduced for various values of solid fraction (ϕ ) of Ag nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluids are of excellent significance to scientists, because, due to their elevated heat transfer rates, they have important industrial uses. A new class of nanofluid, "hybrid nanofluid," has recently been used to further improve the rate of heat transfer. The current phenomenon particularly concerns the analysis of the flow and heat transfer of SWCNT–MWCNT/water hybrid nanofluid with activation energy through a moving wedge. The Darcy–Forchheimer relationship specifies the nature of the flow in the porous medium. Further the impact of variable viscosity, velocity and thermal slip, thermal radiation and heat generation are also discussed in detail. The second law of thermodynamics is utilized to measure the irreversibility factor. The numerical technique bvp4c is integrated to solve the highly nonlinear differential equation. For axial velocity, temperature profile, and entropy generation, a comparison was made between nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid. The variable viscosity parameter enhances the axial velocity and diminishes the temperature distribution for both nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the solid volume fraction diminishes the velocity and concentration profile while enhancing the temperature distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) materials have drawn remarkable research attention due to their extraordinary optical properties, which are especially promising for metal-free photocatalysis and photoluminescence. Herein we theoretically study the light absorption, electronic, and excitonic characteristics of covalently hybrid structures of CN quantum dots (CNQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) reveal that the relative size of CNQDs and GQDs and chemical modification to GQDs or CNQDs surface are critical determining the absorption and photocatalytic/photoluminescent performances of the as-studied structures. Importantly, the distribution position of the photoexcited electron–hole pair is found to depend on the relative size of CNQDs and GQDs, and chemical groups such as epoxy group may lead to distinct exciton distributions in the CNQD–GQD hybrid structures after attaching them to GQD or CNQD surface as compared to the case of pristine GQD and CNQD, indicating a non-negligible influence of unintended chemical reactions to CNQDs and/or GQDs under working conditions on the efficiencies of the materials for photocatalytic and photoluminescent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, mercury (Hg) and physicochemical parameters have been evaluated in aquifer water at different depths of Thar coal field. The water samples were collected from first aquifer (AQ), second aquifer (AQ), and third aquifer (AQ) at three depths, 50-60, 100-120, and 200-250 m, respectively. The results of aquifer water of three depths were interpreted by using different multivariate statistical techniques. Validation of desired method was checked by spiking standard addition method in studied aquifer water samples. The content of Hg in aquifer water samples was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-AAS). These determined values illustrate that the levels of Hg were higher than WHO recommended values for drinking water. All physicochemical parameters were higher than WHO permissible limits for drinking water except pH and SO in aquifer water. The positive correlation of Hg with other metals in aquifer water samples of AQ, AQ, and AQ of Thar coalfield except HCO was observed which might be caused by geochemical minerals. The interpretation of determined values by the cluster technique point out the variations within the water quality parameter as well as sampling location of studied field. The aquifer water AQ was more contaminated with Hg as compared to AQ and AQ; it may be due to leaching of Hg from coal zone. The concentration of Hg in aquifer water obtained from different depths was found in the following decreasing order: AQ < AQ < AQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural parameters, elastic constants, electronic and optical properties of the bi-alkali antimonides (NaKSb, NaRbSb, NaCsSb, KRbSb, KCsSb and RbCsSb) were calculated using state-of-the-art density functional theory. Different exchange-correlation potentials were adopted to predict the physical properties of these compounds. The calculated structural parameters are found in good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results. All the compounds are mechanically stable. The compounds NaKSb, KRbSb, KCsSb and RbCsSb have direct bandgaps, in which chemical bonding among the cations and anions is mainly ionic. Furthermore, the optical properties of these compounds are described in detail in terms of the dielectric function, refractive index, reflectivity, optical conductivity and absorption coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) levels have been evaluated in the biological samples of children with different gastrointestinal disorders. Blood, scalp hair, and urine samples of children (of age 4-10 years) complaining about different gastrointestinal disorders were analyzed. For comparison, age matched healthy subjects were also included in this study. Biological samples were digested in a microwave oven prior to Pb determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Significant differences in Pb profile were found between the diseased and referent children. Elevated Pb contents were observed in case of diseased children than WHO permissible limit, while normal results were obtained for healthy referents. The results were compared with those of healthy children having the same age, socioeconomic status, and residential areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, the ground water at different aquifers was evaluated for physicochemical parameters, iron, total arsenic, total inorganic arsenic and arsenic species (arsenite and arsenate). The samples of groundwater were collected at different depths, first aquifer (AQ) 50-60 m, second aquifer (AQ) 100-120 m, and third aquifer (AQ) 200-250 m of Thar coalfield, Pakistan. Total inorganic arsenic was determined by solid phase extraction using titanium dioxide as an adsorbent. The arsenite was determined by cloud point extraction using ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate as a chelating reagent, and resulted complex was extracted by Triton X-114. The resulted data of groundwater were reported in terms of basic statistical parameters, principal component, and cluster analysis. The resulted data indicated that physicochemical parameters of groundwater of different aquifers were exceeded the World Health Organization provisional guideline for drinking water except pH and SO. The positive correlation was observed between arsenic species and physicochemical parameters of groundwater except F and K, which might be caused by geochemical minerals. Results of cluster analysis indicated that groundwater samples of AQ was highly contaminated with arsenic species as compared to AQ and AQ ( p > 0.05). [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, elastic, electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties of the $$\hbox {ZnAl}_{2}\hbox {S}_{4 }$$ compound are calculated in the frame work of the density functional theory where the calculated structural parameters are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data and other theoretical calculations. The calculations show that the material is elastically stable and isotropic. Furthermore, the calculated band gap is observed to be wide and direct and is comparable with earlier experimental data as well as with other theoretical calculations; hence, it is an optically active material for optoelectronic applications. In addition, the compound is found to have mixed ionic and covalent bonding nature. The optical nature of the compound is described in terms of the complex dielectric function, complex refractive index, reflectivity, and energy loss function. On the other hand, variation of the unit cell volume, bulk modulus, heat capacity, and Debye temperature are described as a function of temperature at different pressures for the $$\hbox {ZnAl}_{2}\hbox {S}_{4}$$ compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the comparative distribution, correlation, and apportionment of selected elements-aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and lead (Pb)-in the blood samples of male kidney failure patients (KFP) and healthy subjects of age ranged 30-60 years. The blood samples were digested with nitric acid and perchloric acid mixture (2:1), followed by the quantification of elements by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of essential elements in blood samples of KFP were found in the range of Ca (97-125), Mg (18-36), Na (2971-3685), and K (177-270) mg/L while, the levels of Al, Cd, and Pb were found in the range of (475-1275), (0.9-9.9), and (211-623) μg/L, respectively. In the healthy referents, concentration of electrolytes in blood samples was lower than KFP, but difference was not significant ( p > 0.05). While the levels of toxic elements in blood samples of referents were three- to sixfold lower than KFP ( p < 0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) of the element data manifested diverse apportionment of the selected elements in the blood sample of the KFP compared with the healthy counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the chemistry of fresh and stored rainwater of Thar Desert, Pakistan, was estimated during two consecutive monsoon periods. The present research deals with the variation in physicochemical parameters, total arsenic (As), inorganic arsenic species (As, As, As), and fluoride (F) in stored rainwater (SRW) at different time intervals (1 week to 3 months). The pH of fresh rainwater (FRW) samples showed slightly acidic to neutral in nature (6.08-7.06) which were inconsistent with the reference pH value (5.6) of rainwater. The resulted data indicated that As and F levels in SRW were enhanced with time duration. The levels of As and F in SRW after different time intervals were found in the range of 194-683 μg/L and 10-35.4 mg/L, respectively. The values of As and F were 20-70 and 7-24 times higher than those of WHO permissible limits, 10 μg/L and 1.5 mg/L, respectively. The As was dominant species in SRW, which corresponds to >60 % of As. The characteristics of the SRW revealed an unacceptable quality to consume for drinking and agricultural purposes in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, lead (Pb) level in biological samples of children with physiological disorders (liver, bone, and gastrointestinal; age ranged 1-10 years) have been assessed. For comparison purpose, age-matched healthy children were also selected. Cloud point extraction (CPE) was employed for preconcentration of Pb in acid-digested biological samples prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Dithizone (diphenylthiocarbazone) and nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 (TX-114) were used as complexing reagent and extractant, respectively. The effects of several experimental variables on proposed CPE were evaluated. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the observed detection limit (LOD) and the enhancement factor (EF) were 0.08 μg L and 53, respectively. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of 10 μg L Pb was 3.4 %. It was observed that children with liver-, bone-, and gastrointestinal-related disorders had three- to fourfold higher Pb level in blood and scalp hair samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, ecofriendly compounds such as chitosan has been used to alleviate the destructive effects of salt stress. Chitosan is a natural biodegradable compound with no toxicity in nature and act as a stress tolerance inductor involved in physiological processes and prevent water loss through transpiration. Tomato cv. Rio Grande grown in pots was subjected with salinity stress in the form of 4 levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) whose effect was mediated by treating it with different concentration of chitosan (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L−1). Results: The data revealed that various application of salinity had a negative effect on almost all the studied parameters. Tomato plants treated with distilled water having no salinity (control) recorded maximum plant height (cm), average number of compound leaves plant−1, leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm), number of fruits plant−1, fruit firmness (kg cm−2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), fruit juice pH, yield plant−1 (kg) and minimum total soluble solids (Brix°). Whereas, minimum plant height (cm), average number of compound leaves plant−1, leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm), number of fruits plant−1, fruit firmness (kg cm−2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), fruit juice pH, yield plant−1 (kg) and maximum total soluble solids (Brix°) were found in plants treated with salinity level of 150 mM. Chitosan concentration of 150 mg L−1 significantly mediated the effect of salinity stress and recorded maximum plant height (cm), average number of compound leaves plant−1, leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm), number of fruits plant−1, fruit firmness (kg cm−2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), total soluble solids (Brix°) and yield plant−1 (kg) with minimum fruit juice pH. Conclusion: It is concluded that foliar application of chitosan at the rate of 150 mg L−1 and salinity stress 150 mM could have positive impact on performance of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic performances of CsPbI2Br solar cells are still lower than those of hybrid inorganic–organic perovskite solar cells, and researchers are exploring ways to improve their efficiencies. Due to its higher thermal stability in comparison with the generally studied hybrid inorganic–organic perovskites, all-inorganic CsPbI2Br has recently attracted great attention. By utilizing the combination of MnCl2 and ZnCl2 particles doping to modulate film growth, it is found that MnCl2 and ZnCl2 particles infiltrate into the holes of the CsPbI2Br lattice through the growth procedure, leading to suppressed nucleation and reduced growth rate. The combination assists to achieve higher CsPbI2Br crystalline grains for increased Jsc as high as 15.66 mA cm−2 and FF as large as 73.37%. It is indicated that a specific combination of ZnCl2-MnCl2 doping can fundamentally improve the film surface morphology, reduce trap density, and suppress the recombination of carriers. Consequently, power conversion efficiency (PCE) is significantly improved from 13.47 to 14.15% compared with the reference device without doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota has become a new therapeutic target in the treatment of inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Probiotics are known for their beneficial effects and have shown good efficacy in the clinical treatment of IBD and animal models of colitis. However, how these probiotics contribute to the amelioration of IBD is largely unknown. In the current study, the DSS-induced mouse colitis model was treated with oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum strains to investigate their effects on colitis. The results indicated that the L. plantarum strains improved dysbiosis and enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria related to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. Moreover, L. plantarum strains decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-6, IL-22, and TNF-α and increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., TGF-β, IL-10. Our result suggests that L. plantarum strains possess probiotic effects and can ameliorate DSS colitis in mice by modulating the resident gut microbiota and immune response., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)